Azerbaijan introduces fines for violations related to employment of drug-dependent persons

Azerbaijan is introducing administrative penalties for violations of legal requirements governing the employment of drug-dependent persons.

The amendments were approved by parliament as part of changes to the country’s Code of Administrative Offences.

Under the new rules, employers hiring people for professions and positions where legal restrictions apply because of drug addiction will be required to comply with mandatory medical control procedures. Violations of these requirements will be subject to fines. 

The move follows earlier amendments to the Labour Code and the law on narcological services and control, which require medical certificates for certain jobs and allow employers to order additional medical examinations at their own expense when justified.

The government says the changes are aimed at improving workplace safety and strengthening oversight in sectors where drug-dependent individuals are legally barred from carrying out specific activities.

N.Tebrizli